Mathias Berthold to no longer coach Austrian team

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FIS

After four seasons as the head coach of the Austrian men’s team, Mathias Berthold announced he wouldn’t be back in his role next season.

"I have decided for personal and private reasons to not renew my contract with the Austrian Ski Federation. The last years were marked by a very high workload and I want to thank all the coaches, leaders, athletes, and the Austrians for the very professional relationship," Berthold, who lead the Austrian men’s team in winning two Olympic gold medals, an Olympic silver medal, three Overall World Cup titles (won by Marcel Hirscher) and eight World Championship medals said of his decision.

Hans Pum, Sports Director of the Austrian Ski Federation expressed his regret that the partnership will no longer continue.

“Mathias has communicated to me in a personal conversation that he is no longer available as athletic director for the next season. I’m personally very sorry, because I appreciate him. He has done excellent work for the Austrian Ski Federation over the last four seasons, for which I am grateful. I wish him all the best.”

In the same announcement, the Austrian Ski Federation announced that Berthold Burkhard Schaffer, who was in charge of the men’s speed group, would transition to a new role with the Canadian Ski Association where he will take over the men’s coaching position vacated by a retiring John “Johno” McBride. Schaffer has previously coached the Canadian men’s speed team from 2001-2006.